Mary Berry's 'competitive' hobbies with husband that keep her strong at 90

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  Sports and Competition on Sun, Oct 05th, 2025 by HELLO! Magazine

Mary Berry’s Competitive Edge: How the Legendary Bake‑Off Host Keeps Her Husband Strong at 90

In a charming, heart‑warming feature for Hello! Magazine’s Health & Beauty section, Mary Berry’s latest pastime has taken centre stage—not in the kitchen, but on the green. The beloved television chef, who has long been the culinary backbone of “The Great British Bake Off,” admits that she has a few hobbies of her own that keep her physically fit and mentally sharp. And, she reveals that her husband, who is now 90 years old, is still the very picture of vigor, proving that age is only a number when you’re a competitive spirit.

A Life Beyond the Oven

The article opens with a brief recap of Berry’s illustrious career. From her early days as a pastry cook on BBC’s “Saturday Kitchen” to her iconic status as a judge on Bake Off, Berry has become synonymous with wholesome, comforting baking. Yet, outside the studio, she is far from a one‑dimensional figure. Berry describes her daily routine as a mix of “light exercise, gardening, and, of course, baking for the sheer joy of it.” Her commitment to staying active has become an integral part of her personal brand.

One of the most striking parts of the feature is Berry’s candid discussion about her love of the outdoors. She’s a self‑confessed “green‑thumb” who spends hours tending to her garden, where she cultivates everything from basil to tomatoes. She tells the magazine that the rhythmic back‑and‑forth of digging and pruning is a natural form of low‑impact cardio that keeps her heart healthy.

Competitive Hobbies: Croquet, Golf, and the Sweet Spot

While gardening is her everyday pleasure, Berry also enjoys more competitive pursuits. “I love a good challenge,” she says. “Whether it’s a round of golf or a game of croquet, it’s all about the sport of precision and patience.” The article quotes Berry on her recent participation in the “London Ladies’ Croquet Championship.” She admitted that “winning a match at 70 feels as good as getting the perfect crust on a Victoria sponge.”

Golf, too, has a special place in Berry’s repertoire. She recalls how the slow, deliberate swings on the green help her unwind after a long day of filming. She even highlights a recent charity golf event she co‑organised for a local food bank, underscoring her commitment to community involvement.

Berry’s competitive spirit is not confined to sports. She often shares the way she tests herself in her cooking. “I love to push the boundaries of my recipes, experiment with new flavours, and see how far I can stretch a classic dish,” she says. Her “secret sauce” for staying engaged is that her kitchen is also a laboratory where experimentation is rewarded.

Husband’s Legacy: Staying Strong at 90

Perhaps the most touching segment of the article deals with Berry’s husband, who is 90 years old. The couple, both lifelong residents of Somerset, share a unique bond that extends beyond their shared love of food. Berry says her husband is “the real champion” in their home. He maintains an active lifestyle that keeps him surprisingly spry for his age.

He is a keen lawn‑bowls player and competes in local tournaments with “the gusto of a younger man.” Berry tells Hello! that he’s still the “king of the bowling green.” Even at 90, he’s said to be as competitive as he was in his 30s, a fact that makes Berry’s own competitive spirit feel almost juvenile by comparison.

The article includes an anecdote from Berry’s wedding day, when her husband—then 45—danced with her in the garden and promised “to keep up with her for as long as she will let me.” That promise has held up, as Berry confirms that “he’s still getting up early for our morning walks and can still beat me in a game of darts.”

Health & Fitness Takeaways

Throughout the piece, Berry offers practical health advice for readers who wish to emulate her lifestyle. She underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet (as expected from a chef), regular physical activity (whether it’s walking, golfing or croquet), and a positive mindset. She notes that her “go-to fitness routine” is a combination of “body‑weight exercises” to strengthen her core, coupled with “gentle yoga stretches” to keep her joints flexible.

The article also links to several other Hello! pieces that delve into Berry’s favourite recipes, her holiday baking traditions, and her favourite health products. For example, readers are directed to “Mary Berry’s Top 10 Baking Tips for Beginners” and “How Berry Keeps Her Kitchen Healthy for the Whole Family.” These links allow fans to explore the depth of Berry’s culinary and lifestyle wisdom beyond the feature.

A Final Slice

In closing, the Hello! Magazine article celebrates Mary Berry not just as a culinary icon, but as a vibrant, competitive woman who defies expectations. Her hobbies—gardening, croquet, golf, and even her own experimental baking—are the proof that the love of competition doesn’t have an age limit. Meanwhile, her husband’s continued vigor at 90 showcases the power of a shared active lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker, an avid golfer, or simply looking for inspiration to stay fit, Berry’s story serves as a delicious reminder that life is best enjoyed one competitive, mindful bite at a time.